Charter Schools in Colorado
Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that offer families innovative and high-quality educational options within the public school system. They are designed to meet diverse student needs, offer families choice, and foster new approaches to teaching and learning.
What is a Charter School?
A charter school is a public school that operates under a performance contract—or "charter"—with a designated authorizer. This agreement outlines the school's mission, program, goals, and assessment methods.
Key facts:
- They are tuition-free and open to all students.
- They are held accountable for academic results and financial practices.
- They are independently operated, often by educators, parents, or nonprofit organizations.
- They offer curriculum and instructional freedom to better meet student needs.
How are they different from District Schools?
| Feature | Charter Schools | Traditional Public Schools |
| Tuition-Free | Yes | Yes |
| Open to All | Yes | Yes (based on school boundaries) |
| Performance-Based | Yes (contract governed) | Yes (state oversight) |
| Autonomy | High (school-level decisions) | More limited (district-run) |
| Accountability | High (renewal every 3-5 years) | Varies (typically system-level) |
Who Can Start a Charter School?
A charter school can be founded by:
- Educators
- Parents or community members
- Public institutions
- Nonprofit organizations
Charter schools in Colorado must be nonprofit, apply to an authorizer (such as a school district or the state), and outline a clear plan for operations, student outcomes, and community impact.
Oversight & Accountability
All charter schools in Colorado must:
- Meet state and federal accountability standards
- Administer statewide assessments
- Follow all laws governing public schools, including nondiscrimination
- Submit annual performance reports and financial audits
- Meet renewal conditions based on academic and operational outcomes